15 local teenagers learn to put good character above good looks

Sunday

Beauty is only skin deep may be an adage for the self-assured, but for a budding teenager, life is often all about the clothes, the makeup and the hair.

But 15 Lenoir County teenagers have been discovering since August their value does, in fact, start beneath the skin and their self-worth is projected onto the outer appearance.

They took part in a program — headed by Marian Turenne of the Church of Faith — which included a series of motivational speakers and poets.

The program culminated in a makeover day and fashion show on Saturday at The Gate, which partnered with the church.

“These kids have got to know it’s more important than just looking cute,” Turenne said before the show. “So while tonight they’re going to look cute, they’ve gone through public speaking, they’ve gone through motivational speakers … so that they can get it from the inside out.”

Turenne said the fashion coordinator challenged the 11 girls and 4 boys to not only do the walk, but understand the person they are.

“My goal in the whole process,” Turenne said, “is … that God get the glory and that these kids walk away having learned something.”

The fashions the teens wore were donated on loan from area department stores and the hair and cosmetic makeovers were done by local beauticians.

About 100 people came to watch the young models show off their stylish looks and confidence.

“There’s nothing better than looking pretty and having character,” Turenne said. “That’s what we work for.”

Applications were distributed at the church and in the community. Whoever turned an application in and persisted with the meetings and rehearsals without missing more than one could complete the program and participate in the fashion show, she said.

Mikayla Jones, 14, of Kinston, said the program has helped her understand that what is on the inside is a person’s “real beauty.”

“I feel confident,” she said, “like I can, like, do it and not be scared, and show everybody what it takes to be a real beauty queen from church, to show that God’s working things out for us teenagers.”

Enziyah Moore, 13, of Kinston, said she enjoyed the experience and gained confidence in herself.

“What I got out of this whole experience,” she said, “is getting brought out of my comfort zone.”

Porsha Rhodes, 15, from Lenoir County, said she took part in the program so she could overcome her shyness.

“I feel great. I feel beautiful,” she said.

Nakeem Moore, 14, is one of the four boys who joined the program. Dressed in a sharp-looking shirt and tie — a new look for him — he said he went from being a “laid-back dude” to an “outgoing person.”

“I started this project to change my appearance and the way I looked to other people,” he said.

Jarrah Darboe, 13, of Kinston, volunteered as fashion coordinator for the 11 girls. She was dressed in colorful and exotic African attire made by her mother out of fabric from Gambia, where her father is from.

“I thought it was important for the young ladies to know that they’re real ladies,” she said, “and to take care of themselves and carry themselves like young ladies.”

Valerie West, founder of the Queen Esther Foundation and a Mary Kay consultant, volunteered as a makeup artist.

“I hope that they have a purpose, that they learn that they have purpose, that they have destiny (and) that they can go beyond their wildest dreams,” she said about the participants. “I hope that they all go through college and that they graduate and they’re able to accomplish getting a job or even starting their own business, as well.”

Clevette “Chyna” Roberts emceed the program, introducing the teens as they strutted their stuff for the audience.

“The way you carry yourself says a lot about who you are,” she told the audience. “Just remember that. The way you walk, your demeanor — all that matters. And the way you feel about yourself, your walk tells it on yourself.”

Turenne told the audience that all the makeup, hair styling and brand-name clothing and accessories are not what gives a person value.

“For me, these teenagers’ character means a whole lot more than anything they’re going to walk down this floor in tonight,” Turenne said. “… And if only one of them gets this message, it’ll be worth all the work that I’ve done.”

Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.

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